Problem Solving

When problem solving, you may recognize that you were working on a symptom instead of the problem. An analysis of the more clearly defined problem may require an alteration to the objectives or the ideal solution. These reviews and changes are costly in terms of time and effort which emphasizes the need for rigid scrutiny during the initial problem definition to avoid wasted time and effort. Once implementation begins, it is even more difficult to learn that the entire action plan and subsequent efforts were based on symptoms in lieu of authentic problems.

The following five-questions should be asked before taking any definite action: What solutions are available? What solution has priority? What are available resources? What are existing obstacles? What are side effects (Budget & People i.e. public relations -- work structure/schedule -- resistance to change)?

There needs to be a systematic procedure to surface the activities necessary to accomplish the solution recommended. Once the activities are labeled, the duties or tasks to complete the activity can be assigned to specific individuals who then become responsible for their completion. It is useful for the manager to obtain approval of the recipient, for the task assignment and obtain agreement on a completion date for the task/activity. Each of the steps and tasks is assigned and completion dates are established. As the action agenda becomes more complex the importance of accountability becomes more significant. If tasks are assigned without a structure which notifies the manager that tasks are not completed on due dates, there will be a break down in the entire plan.

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


The Three-Dimensional Communication System

Human communication is always three-dimensional. No spoken or written message... Read More

Muggers in Our Midst - When Rumour and Gossip Pay You a Visit

'I heard it on the grapevine' the old song goes.... Read More

Are You Measuring Something Meaningful?

Avoiding inert measures that anaesthetise your performance management.INTRODUCTIONYou sit before... Read More

New Job, New Culture: Do You Fit In?

It seemed like a good decision at the time. A... Read More

What Consultants Want You to Know (But You Never Ask)

I've been both a CEO and a consultant, so I've... Read More

How Managers Can Help Retain Their Best Employees

A major problem for employers today is attracting the best... Read More

Knowledge Management - Capturing And Structuring Knowledge Into Reusable Assets

Many organizations have an approach for identifying and recording lessons... Read More

25 Great Ways to Find the Right People and Not Break the Bank

Are you trying to hire dozens of hourly workers or... Read More

Status Quo Pep Talks That Can Threaten Your Leadership

Organizations live and die by results. Yet most organizations get... Read More

CEOs And Boards Are Locked In A Spiral Of Doom

American CEOs are dropping like flies. Boards, armed with new... Read More

Squeezing the Blood Out of that Old Turnip

I suspect all of you out there have someone that... Read More

The Email Trap

If you sit at a computer for most of the... Read More

Stomp Out Leeches In Your Company

Recently, I felt appalled to see a political candidate running... Read More

Innovation Management ? some ideas are better than others

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Business Innovation ? Ignoring Content

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

How to Fire an Employee

One of the most difficult tasks you will face as... Read More

Communicating with Case Studies

A few weeks ago, a couple of colleagues and I... Read More

A Checklist for Organized Executives

I could begin this article by providing a checklist of... Read More

Managers? Biggest Blunders

Nobody's perfect, including the boss. Managers, we polled recently, acknowledged... Read More

The Power of the Contract in Performance Management

An essential step in managing the performance of salespeople is... Read More

On The Job Training is Something You Canā??t Afford to Skip

Trained employees are more productive employees; thereā??s no doubt about... Read More

Look Good on Voice Mail

Your use of voice mail tells others a lot about... Read More

What to do When You receive a Bad Check

As a small business operator, personal checks may be one... Read More

Preparation: Your Companys Best Defense in Case of Catastrophe

You've hung out your shingle and are ready for business.... Read More

10 Ways New Managers Become Great Leaders

"It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder... Read More

Five Overlooked Ways To Hire Winners

Here is a true story. My dentist did a "clinical"... Read More

Intercultural Management

The role of a manager is evolving in response to... Read More

How to Create Trust

People buy from you, offer help, and grant rewards based... Read More

Knowledge Mapping

This module focuses on the basics of Knowledge Mapping, its... Read More

Biometrics and ?Return On Investment?

At this time of tight budgets, the mantra of business... Read More

Improving Patient Sensitivity in Doctors and Hospital Staff

COMPANY/ORGANIZATIONA South Florida hospital. The CEO of the hospital saw... Read More

Outsourced Learning: Are You Ready for Learning BPO?

As the business world enters a period of hyper-competitiveness, every... Read More

Project Management 101

Project management is a very important business concept because it... Read More